Fifty-three entries, 50 started, divided into seven groups for first elimination, of ten players. These 40 players not eliminated were then divided into eight groups of five men each, and 12 men were eliminated the second time, leaving 28 players. These 28 were again divided into 4 groups of seven men each, and the four men standing highest in each group made up the 16 men that played in the finals. Eliminations were decided on the number of games won and lost in each group.